Season 2 - Episode 22
Ever wondered what it takes to learn a second language as an adult?
In this Chinwag Tuesdays episode, I sit down with Mike Budden—an Aussie English teacher living in Berlin—who is also fluent in German! We dive deep into accent training, pronunciation, language immersion, and the real reason why many learners struggle with listening.
If you're learning English (or teaching it!), this episode is packed with insights and relatable stories to help you improve your Aussie accent and make your language learning more effective.
Mike Budden shares practical strategies to improve your English listening skills, understand Aussie pronunciation, and avoid common accent mistakes—especially for German speakers. We explore why “reading aloud” is so powerful, what learners misunderstand about “correct pronunciation,” and how to shift your mindset from fear to fluency.
Whether you're a migrant, international student, or language teacher, this episode gives you the tools to speak English with confidence—and feel proud of your unique voice.
⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻
Key Highlights:
Meet Mike: Aussie English teacher living in Berlin
Learning German through travel, music and community
Teaching during COVID and returning to Australia
Amanda's Hindi learning journey and immersion struggles
Why pronunciation is essential for language learners
Devoicing in German: What it is and why it matters
German accent issues: real-world examples and fixes
The power of reading aloud to improve pronunciation
Final thoughts: evolving accents and student advice
⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻
Looking to improve your own Aussie English?
I offer 1:1 coaching, group classes, and online courses designed to help you sound more natural, build confidence, and feel at home in Australian conversations.
📲How to Contact Mike Budden
🌏 Website: https://www.mikeblanguages.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-budden-4553a4b2/
To see what other Aussies are doing around the world, check out these episodes:
